Laurence Civil suggests an afternoon indulgence of enjoying Raimes Sparkling Wines seated in their new home, a Tasting Barn set in the vines where their grapes are grown.
Their delicious sparkling wines wining gold medals is the reward for Ramies recognising the soil of their farming grassland has with chalk substratum shared with the best vineyards in Champagne. The chalk has a particular minerality that helps to achieve a delicate balance of ripeness, acidity and berry aroma.
Rather than selling their land to visiting buyers from Champagne house they decided plant vines and grow grapes to make their own English Sparkling Wine. The family is passionate to grow the best they can, carefully monitoring the risk of frost. When their grapes are perfectly ripe, they are hand picked then same day transfer their winemakers Hattingley Valley. The new tasting barn gives visitors the opportunity to taste the wines poured into their new signature Champagne sourced glassware surrounded by the vines where they were born.
Augusta and Robert are the fifth generation of the Raimes family to farm the fields of Grange Farm. Having completed extensive soil testing to establish which clones would grow leading to the planting of the first vineyard in April 2011, Their first harvest in 2013 produced just four tonnes of Pinot Noir to fill just one tank at Hattingley Valley winery.
Guests are invited to walk through the south facing vineyards to see how the grapes are grown, then to return to the tasting barn to sample three 60ml pours of their wines. Chardonnay is a fantastic wine for Hampshire chalk.
Raimes have three vineyards. Arch Peak up on the hill above the tasting barn is where the Chardonnay is grown. Harnham Hill on the lefthand side of A272 travelling towards Winchester, is where the Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir vines are grown. Batts their newest vineyard is adjacent to the tasting barning barn planted with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir Precoce
The first wine tasted was their Classic Brut 2018, a classic Champenoise blend of 62% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Meunier and 19% Pinot Noir. Their star wine achieving 95 points and gold medals from both the wine magazine Decanter and The International Wine and Spirit Competition. A statement of the house style, an elegant wine, the palate is very expressive with ripe citrus, stone fruit, apple and pear, soft fine mousse and delicate patisserie finish. 2018 is a vibrant and ripe vintage.
The second wine poured was a vintage 2018 Blanc de Noirs a blend of 50% Pinot Meunier and 50% Pinot Noir from the Harnham Hills vineyard. Tastes of ripe orchard fruits. Lovely, fresh and well balanced with a hint of toasty background notes. Popular with those who don’t favour their idea of the Champagne taste of Classic Brut.
The third was Blanc de Blanc 2018, 100% Chardonnay grapes from the Arch Peak vineyard and bottle fermented in the traditional method. Complex and refined from partial use of oak barrels and generous lees ageing. This is a well integrated wine with generous fruit, lemon zest and a gentle hint of brioche. A beautiful Hampshire taste.
The tasting experience was enriched as the wines were poured in their signature Lehmann Premium 18cl Champagne glass. The glass does matter, the wines can be swirled in the tulip shape awaking the flavours and aromas, plus the weight and balance in the hand.
The tasting experience was enriched as the wines were poured in their signature Lehmann Premium 18cl Champagne glass. The glass does matter, the wines can be swirled in the tulip shape awaking the flavours and aromas, plus the weight and balance in the hand.
To enhance the tasting experience they offer a carefully planned pairing of their grazing board of smoked Lyburn chesses and smoked cheese.
Arrive, walk, sit, sip and enjoy Thursday 11am -4pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 5pm until December.
Raimes English Sparkling
Broad Lane
Hinton Ampner
Alresford
SO24 0JY
T +44 1962 732120
W www.raimes.co.uk E info@raimes.co.uk
A discovery journey with Laurence Civil of his best tasting experiences 
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